Christopher Davis-Benavides
Ciudades V (Cities V), 1987
Glazed earthenware
31 x 24 1/2 x 10 inches
Racine Art Museum, Gift of Angela and George Jacobi
Photography: Jarvis Lawson
RAM Showcase: Focus on Clay
June 14, 2023 – May 25, 2024
at RAM’s Wustum Museum
In an anthropological context, the history of ceramics is most often associated with function. In an art historical framework, clay underwent a revolution in the mid-twentieth century as more and more artists were pushing its boundaries in theory, concept, and form. This encouraged a shift away from function and towards concept-based sculpture and explorations of material. Presently, artists flex their artistic muscle at will—using clay to create functional or sculptural work as they choose and investigating clay on historical, personal, social, and cultural terms as well as practical and material ones.
As a RAM Showcase exhibition, Focus on Clay centers on the work of artists of color and those represented here specifically reflect a range of artistic practices and approaches. Taken collectively, these objects represent multiple decades of working with clay.
It is important to point out that while there are theoretically no limitations to the materials any artist can use, there have historically been barriers to some artists of color in the United States—indirect or otherwise—to access to tools, materials, or studio spaces. In this current moment, more and more efforts are being made to not just support and encourage the work of artists of color but also to draw attention to the work that has already been created.
About RAM Showcase Exhibitions
RAM Showcase exhibitions highlight the work of contemporary artists of color.
In this moment in time, it is critical that RAM spotlights voices that have been historically underrepresented, such as women and artists of color. Artists of color are identified in this context as non-white and non-European. This simplification, which is arguably a flawed starting point, does not account for the nuances and variations of society. It is a beginning—a way to direct those who want to educate themselves about what is possible when new perspectives are encountered.
While the work of artists of color has been and will continue to be shown in a variety of contexts at both campuses, the Showcase series highlights conversations around equity, inclusion, and social justice. This means underscoring the presence of the work of artists of color, primarily from the collection as well as, at times, featuring artists addressing critical social and cultural issues across a broad spectrum.
Further, as an educational institution rooted in the humanities and using art as a catalyst, the museum wants to encourage inquiry and exploration about the world in which we live. RAM hopes spotlighting artists of color spurs further engagement with these artists and their ideas.
RAM is committed to supporting diverse voices—whether that diversity reflects race, gender, sexuality, age, ability, social standing, or world perspective.
More About the Exhibition
Artists in the Exhibition
Luis Bermudez, Christopher Davis-Benavides, Benjie Heu, Juana Leno, Louis Mendez, Hideaki Miyamura, and Anita Wong
RAM Showcase: Focus on Clay
June 14, 2023 – May 25, 2024
at RAM’s Wustum Museum
Christopher Davis-Benavides
Ciudades V (Cities V), 1987
Glazed earthenware
31 x 24 1/2 x 10 inches
Racine Art Museum, Gift of Angela and George Jacobi
Photography: Jarvis Lawson
In an anthropological context, the history of ceramics is most often associated with function. In an art historical framework, clay underwent a revolution in the mid-twentieth century as more and more artists were pushing its boundaries in theory, concept, and form. This encouraged a shift away from function and towards concept-based sculpture and explorations of material. Presently, artists flex their artistic muscle at will—using clay to create functional or sculptural work as they choose and investigating clay on historical, personal, social, and cultural terms as well as practical and material ones.
As a RAM Showcase exhibition, Focus on Clay centers on the work of artists of color and those represented here specifically reflect a range of artistic practices and approaches. Taken collectively, these objects represent multiple decades of working with clay.
It is important to point out that while there are theoretically no limitations to the materials any artist can use, there have historically been barriers to some artists of color in the United States—indirect or otherwise—to access to tools, materials, or studio spaces. In this current moment, more and more efforts are being made to not just support and encourage the work of artists of color but also to draw attention to the work that has already been created.
About RAM Showcase Exhibitions
RAM Showcase exhibitions highlight the work of contemporary artists of color.
In this moment in time, it is critical that RAM spotlights voices that have been historically underrepresented, such as women and artists of color. Artists of color are identified in this context as non-white and non-European. This simplification, which is arguably a flawed starting point, does not account for the nuances and variations of society. It is a beginning—a way to direct those who want to educate themselves about what is possible when new perspectives are encountered.
While the work of artists of color has been and will continue to be shown in a variety of contexts at both campuses, the Showcase series highlights conversations around equity, inclusion, and social justice. This means underscoring the presence of the work of artists of color, primarily from the collection as well as, at times, featuring artists addressing critical social and cultural issues across a broad spectrum.
Further, as an educational institution rooted in the humanities and using art as a catalyst, the museum wants to encourage inquiry and exploration about the world in which we live. RAM hopes spotlighting artists of color spurs further engagement with these artists and their ideas.
RAM is committed to supporting diverse voices—whether that diversity reflects race, gender, sexuality, age, ability, social standing, or world perspective.
More About the Exhibition
Artists in the Exhibition
Luis Bermudez, Christopher Davis-Benavides, Benjie Heu, Juana Leno, Louis Mendez, Hideaki Miyamura, and Anita Wong
Sample of Work in the Exhibition
Click/tap an image for more information
Exhibitions at RAM are made possible by:
Platinum Partners
Anonymous
The Estate of Karen Johnson Boyd
Ron and Judith Isaacs
The Estate of Marilyn Rothschild
Windgate Foundation
Diamond Partners
David Charak
Ruffo Family Foundation
Ruth Arts Foundation
Diane Zebell
Gold Partners
Judith and David Flegel Fund
Osborne and Scekic Family Foundation
Reliance Controls Community Fund
W.T. Walker Group, Inc.
Silver Partners
Anonymous
Anonymous
Bader Philanthropies
Baird
A.C. Buhler Family
Dave’s Wine Garage
Paula and E.L. Donovitz Memorial Endowment Fund
Ben and Dawn Flegel
Tom Harty
Horizon Retail Construction, Inc.
Johnson Financial Group
Robert E. Kohler Jr. Fund
Luanne Frey and Mark Lukow
Sheri and Frank Sullivan
Wisconsin Arts Board
Bronze Partners
Sandy and Gus Antonneau
Carol Baylon
Susan Boland
Rose and Peter Christensen
Educators Credit Union
Carol Griseto
Julia Ann Oas and Don Gloo
Hitter’s Baseball
Debbie and Chuck Hoffman
Susan and Dan Horton
Gary Van Wert and Ronald Jacquart
Paula Kalke
Bill and Debbie Keland
Nancy Kurten
Susan Manalli
Norbell Foundation
O&H Danish Bakery
Rita Petretti
Rasmussen Diamonds
SC Johnson
Harold and Lois Solberg
Twin Disc
Marc J. Wollman
Amy and Robb Woulfe
Media Sponsor
Stay in Touch
The Racine Art Museum and RAM’s Wustum Museum work together to serve as a community resource, with spaces for discovery, creation, and connection. Keep up to date on everything happening at both museum campuses—and beyond—by subscribing to our email newsletter:
